RV and Boat Storage Buildings: How to Choose the Right Size and Door Clearance

Your RV Deserves More Than a Tarp
RVs, motorhomes, fifth wheels and boats represent substantial investments, yet many spend most of their lives sitting outdoors.
Sun, rain, wind and exposure can take a toll on recreational vehicles and boats. Building dedicated covered storage can help protect that investment while also giving you space for tools, accessories and maintenance.
An arch steel building is one option for creating secure, enclosed RV and boat storage without sacrificing usable interior space.
Measure Everything Before Choosing a Building
When planning an RV storage building, don't rely only on the manufacturer's listed vehicle height.
Measure your actual vehicle.
Roof-mounted air conditioners, satellite equipment, antennas and other accessories can increase overall height.
For boats, remember to measure the boat while it is on its trailer. Towers, windshields and other equipment can dramatically change the required clearance.
You should know:
Overall vehicle length
Overall width
Maximum height
Trailer dimensions
Required door clearance
Then add extra room.
A door opening that is only slightly larger than the RV may technically work, but it can make every trip in and out unnecessarily difficult.
Think Beyond Parking
Many people begin by planning a building large enough to hold an RV and later realize they also want space for everything that goes with it.
That may include:
Camping equipment
Boat accessories
Tools
Spare tires
Maintenance supplies
Bicycles
ATVs
Golf carts
Kayaks
Fishing equipment
Tow vehicles

A slightly larger building can turn simple vehicle storage into a highly functional recreational storage center. 
Clear-Span Space Makes Maneuvering Easier
Duro Span arch buildings do not require interior columns throughout the main storage area.
That means the building's floor space remains open for parking and maneuvering.
For RVs, boats and trailers, that can be particularly useful because long vehicles require more room to position than a standard passenger car.
Choose the Building Profile Carefully
A traditional rounded Quonset building offers excellent structural efficiency, but the shape of the building matters when storing tall vehicles near the sidewalls.
If maximizing vertical clearance toward the building edges is important, a straighter-sided Duro Span configuration may be worth considering.
This is especially useful if you plan to store multiple vehicles side by side or install shelving and equipment along the walls.
Plan for a Drive-Through Layout
For certain properties, consider doors at both ends.
A drive-through RV storage building can eliminate the need to back a large motorhome, trailer or boat into a confined space.
Whether this configuration makes sense will depend on the property, foundation, driveway layout and building design, but it is worth considering before ordering the building.
Build for the RV You May Own Next
One of the easiest mistakes to make is designing a building around your current RV with no room for growth.
If there's a realistic possibility that you'll eventually upgrade to a larger motorhome, fifth wheel or boat, planning additional clearance now can be considerably easier than modifying the structure later.
Protect Your RV, Boat and Equipment Under One Roof
A well-planned steel RV garage can provide more than vehicle protection. It can become a dedicated space for storage, maintenance and all the equipment that comes with your recreational lifestyle.
Duro Span offers arch steel buildings in a wide range of widths, heights and lengths to accommodate projects ranging from individual RV storage to large multi-vehicle buildings.
Call 888-848-2011 to discuss your RV or boat dimensions and let Duro Span help you determine the right building configuration.